Method of producing double-action separable fasteners



Nov. 29, 1949 H, MORlN 2,489,718

METHOD OF PRODUCING DOUBLE-ACTION SEPARABLE FASTENERS Filed Aug. 13, 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 law: fl Mae NOV. 29, 1949 L, H, MQRIN 2,489,718

METHOD OF PRODUCING DOUBLE-ACTION SEPARABLE FASTENERS i? fig -Z -INVENTOR 100/5 Mae/N BY v w Patented Nov. 29, 1949 METHOD OF PRODUCING DOUBLE-ACTION SEPARABLE FASTENERS .Louis H. Morin, Bronx, N. Y.

Application August 13, 1943, Serial No. 498,458

4 Claims. (01. 29-148) This invention relates to a method of making separable fasteners wherein the links or scoops of the stringers of these fasteners have common male and female coupling portions on each of the opposed surfaces thereof, adapting the fasteners for two-way mounting and operation of sliders along the stringers. More particularly, the invention deals with links or scoops, or stringers of separable fasteners formed from wire or strip sheet metal stock of predetermined section, by shaping or stamping from wrought stock, or by cutting blanks from a stock of predetermined cross section, then afterwards reshaping the link or scoop work-pieces in producing the desired contour on the finished link or scoop product. The invention includes the method of forming each link of independent parts, which collectively form when assembled on the stringer tape a complete link or scoop unit, the shape of the scoops and the method of attaching them.

The novel features of the invention will be best understood from the following description when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which certain embodiments of the invention are disclosed, and in which the separate parts are designated by suitable reference characters in each of the views, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a sectional view through a short section of two stringers, illustrating the general type and kind of fastener devices under consideration.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one form of link, as formed prior to assemblage to the stringer tape.

Fig. 2A is a diagrammatic view illustrating the interlocking relationship of link workpieces.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view through a stringer tape, showing the link of Fig. 2 attached to the tape.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing another form of link.

Fig. 5 is-a sectional view through a stringer tape, indicating the method of attaching the link of Fig. 4 thereto.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5, showing the step of re-forming the link of Figs. 4 and 5, in producing the final product.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view at right angles to Figs. 5 and 6, illustrating the result of the two operations performed, as indicated in Figs. 5 and 6.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing a. modification.

Fig. 9 is a. view similar to Fig. 1, showing only 2 one stringer with one link thereon, the link being grmged from a pair of the devices illustrated in Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a. stock section of predetermined cross sectional contour from which independent link parts are formed; and

Fig. 11 is a cross sectional view of a stringer, showing the link produced from the workpiece of Fig. 10 according to the methods as disclosed in Figs. 5, 6 and 7.

In fasteners of the type and kind under consideration, it has been customary to form the links or scoops with male coupling members on one side surface and female coupling portions on the opposed surface, usually in alinement with the male members so that the male member of the link or scoop of one stringer will engage the female coupling portion of the link or scoop of the opposed stringer. This type of link or scoop construction adapts a slider to a oneway operation on the stringers to couple and uncouple the links or scoops thereon.

The present invention deals with the production of stringers wherein the links or scoops have on opposed surfaces thereof both male and female coupling portions of common construction, whereby the male coupling portions of one link or scoop will engage the female coupling portions of two adjacent links or scoops on a companion stringer, thereby producing what I term double action fasteners adapting sliders for mounting and movement in either direction upon the stringers to couple and uncouple the same. 7

In Fig. 1 of the drawing is indicated a short length of two stringers, illustrating the general type and kind of links or scoops to be formed according to the method hereinafter more specifically described. This type or link is further illustrated in Figs. 2, 2A and 3. In Fig. 1, l2 and 13 represent two stringer tapes to the beaded edges I4 of which are attached links or scoops I 5, the links or scoops of each stringer are of identical structure and the brief'description of one will apply to all.

Each link or scoop comprises a yoke shaped mounting portion is which engages the bead l4 and a coupling portion I'I having on opposite surfaces common projecting male coupling parts It! inwardly of which are common female coupling portions l9. It will be seen that the male portions of one link or scoop enter the female or recess portions I9 on adjacent surfaces of two of the scoops of an opposed stringer. It will thus be readily apparent that a slider may be mounted to operate in either of two positions on the stringers in coupling and uncoupling the stringers. This type of double action fastener adapts stringers for the mounting of two sliders on the stringers to either open the stringers by the movement of the sliders in the direction of the ends of the stringers, or to close the stringers by like movement of the sliders thereon.

In Fig. 2 of the drawing is shown at 20 what I will term a link or scoop workpiece, which may be formed from wire strip or similar stock or from stock which has been preshaped to simulate the general contour of the workpiece, or which may be formed from wrought stock of any type or kind. This workpiece comprises a body 2|, defining for the major part thereof the thickness of the resulting link or scoop to be formed. One end of the body terminates in diverging arms 22, forming a substantially channel shaped or yoke shaped end through the workpiece. The arms have widened terminal ends as at 23 to provide the required stock in the workpiece to form resulting jaw portions 24, note Fig, 3, when the link or scoop is attached to the bead l4 of the stringer tape.

This re-shaping of the link or re-formation of the material thereof is produced by tools employed to compress the links or scoops onto the tape substantially in the manner illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 5 of the drawing, except that the type of tools used in attaching the workpieces 20 need not be of the specific structure of those shown in Fig. 5. The arms 22 form the resulting mounting end ii of the links or scoops, as previously described.

The blank 20 has at its other end portion, which ultimately forms the coupling end ll of the link or scoop, projecting coupling members I8, which are formed adjacent the outer end 25. The projections I! are curved or rounded where they run into the side surfaces of the link, as seen at 26, and this will provide a slight rocking movement of the links or scoops one upon the other in facilitating the bending of the stringers or passage of the stringers around corners of the supports in connection with which they are mounted. The recesses or sockets l3 are formed directly inwardly of the projections l8, and are of sufflcient dimensions to freely receive the projections IS.

The workpieces formed in the manner illustrated in Fig. 2 are automatically fed from hoppers, or otherwise onto the beaded edge of the stringer tape and attached thereto at spaced intervals by re-shaping the arms 22 to form the 55 jaws 24, as seen in Fig. 3. Groups of these links or scoops will be spaced along the tapes in defining what is commonly termed stringer lengths, a wide spacing being provided on the tape intermediate each group in accordance with known 00 practices in this art.

In Fig. 2A of the drawing is shown a few of the workpieces in an inter-meshed relationship to indicate first the possibility of formation from strip or rod like stock with a minimum 55 amount of waste, and also to indicate possible feed of the workpieces to a machine employed for attaching the links or scoops to a stringer tape. The foregoing is made possible by rounding the coupling ends l1, as indicated at 21, to conform with the contour of the recess 28 between the arms 22. it will appear that the opposed walls 28 of the workpieces 20 are tapered or diverged in the direction of the coupling end ll,

pieces one from the other, as will be apparent.

In Fig. 4 of the drawing I have indicated at 30 a modified form of workpiece which differs from the workpiece 20, primarily in dispensing with the projections 18, and in modifying the contour of the recess l9. Instead of the projections II, the outer coupling end portion 3| of the workpiece has an outwardly projecting portion 32, and the recesses 33 on opposed surfaces of the workpiece are made of greater width than the corresponding width of the recess IS in Fig. 2. At 34 is shown the spaced arms at the mounting end portion 35 of the workpiece similar in all respects to the arms 22. With this type of construction the workpiece 30 may be first reformed to produce projecting male coupling members 36 substantially simi .111 to the members l8, and then the workpiece may be attached to the stringer tape, or the workpiece may first be attached to the stringer tape and then re-formed to produce the couplings 36. This latter method of procedure is illustrated in Figs. 5, 6 and '1 of the drawing.

In Fig. 5 is illustrated the attachment of the workpieces 30 to the beaded edge 31 of a stringer tape by tools 38, which compress and re-form the arms 34 to produce the jaws 39 which engage the bead 31. In the construction shown the tools 38 include inwardly projecting portions 40 which extend onto opposed surfaces of the workpiece to form anvils backing up the workpieces in the formation of the projections 36. The projections 36 are formed by a tool 4|, which operates upon .the projections 32, note Fig. 5, to upset the metal of this projection and shape it to form the projections 36, as indicated in Figs. 6 and 7. The shaping or molding operation may be carriedout with or without heating the scoop depending upon the character of the material used for the scoop.

The result of the above operation also narrows the recesses 33 of the workpiece 30 in forming the resulting female coupling portions 42 on the finished link or scoop.

By employing workpieces of the type and kind illustrated at 30 in Fig. 4 of the drawing, it is possible to shape the same from pre-fabricated channelled strip of the general outline illustrated in-Fig. 10 of the drawing, or an outline sufficiently large to facilitate blanking the workpieces therefrom to the end of forming the recesses 33 and the arms 34 together with the projections 32. Furthermore, it will be apparent that instead of cutting a characterized rod like strip in the manner indicated in Fig. 10, the workpieces 30 may be cut from a strip having a thickness generally defining the thickness of the resulting links or scoops, or of the workpiece 30.

Figure 8 differs from the construction shown in Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive, primarily in forming the resulting links or scoops from two similar parts which when collectively assembled on a stringer tape will produce the desired link or scoop unit. Considering Fig. 9 of the drawing, 43 represents part of the beaded edge of a stringer tape to which is attached in abutting relationship to each other two like link or scoop forming parts 44, a workpiece of which is indicated at 45, in Fig. 8 of the drawing. These parts or workpieces have a flat surface 46, and the opposed surface is fashioned to form a male coupling portion 41, and a female coupling portion 48 similar to the corresponding portions I3 and 19 of Fig. 1. The arms 49 of the workpiece thereby facilitating free separation of the workare shaped and compressed around the beaded edge 43 of the tape in forming the mounting end portion 50 of the link or scoop unit.

The flat surfaces 46 may be left plain, or if desired interengaging coupling portions can be provided on these surfaces to key the separate parts 44 together against shifting movement.

In connection with the'shaping of links or scoops in the manner described, it will be understood that the particular type and kind of material employed can be of any kind which would adapt the same for the purposes intended, and in addition to forming metals various types and kinds of plastic materials may be employed. Bearing these facts in mind, it will be apparent that abutting surfaces of the link or scoop parts '44, .as at 48 may be cemented or otherwise secured together prior to attachment to the stringer tape or in performing this operation. In some of these materials employed, the re-shaping' operations may be performed. by subjecting the workpieces to suflicient heat tosoften the material sufllciently to enable the re-shaping operations to be performed.

In Figs. 10 and 11 of the drawing is shown another adaptation wherein the links or scoops are formed from stock which may be defined or characterized as stock of A-shaped cross sectiona1 form. Considering Fig. 10, it will appear that along strip of stock 5| can be fabricated to form a channel 52 and an elongated aperture 53 with blanks each of which blanks have a coupling end the outer contour of the stock generally common to the contour of the workpiece 30 shown in Fig. 4, in other words, including adjacent the aperture 53, a rib it which would result in the formation of projections similar to the projections 32. It will also appear that the channel 52 forms the diverging arms 55, similar to the arms 34. Instead of having recesses 33 on opposite sides of the workpiece, the bore or aperture It would'form on the 1 resulting link or scoop an aperture I. extending therethrough, and forming the female coupling portion of the link or scoop.

Considering Fig. 11 of the drawing, the finished link or scoop is shown attached to the beaded edge I! of a stringer tape and outwardly of the female portion 58 are projecting coupling portions ill which will be formed from ribbed portions 5,4 similar to the formation of the projections 38, as. indicated in Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawing.

Aside from the modifications illustrated above and the fact that workpieces will be cut from cross sections of the stock ll, as is diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 10, the method of formingand attaching the links or scoops to the tape as shown in Fig. 11 will be the same as in the teachings in Figs. 5 to 7, inclusive.

In some instances the workpiece will be formed from stock by first heating the stock to the temperature required to facilitate the formation of plastics. The workpiece may also be heated pregharatory to the re-.forming operations performed ereon.

' the workpiece, and this is true in both metal and Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patstringers, which comprises forming pairs of scoop blanks, simultaneously mounting the pairs of scoop blanks by the application of pressure thereto upon a stringer tape at spacedintervals with the widest faces of the blanks of each pair abutting along their entire length, forming of said pairs of scoop blanks scoop units spaced longitudinally of the tape, and Joining the blanks of each pair to prevent relative movement one upon the 0 er.

2. The method of producing separable fastener stringers, which comprises forming a pair of scoop units thereon.

3. The method of producing separable fastener stringers, which comprises forming scoop parts each having male and female coupling portions on one face thereof, securing two scoop parts to a tape by application of pressure thereto with the opposite faces of said parts abutting along their entire length and width to form of the two parts a complete scoop member, and arranging the scoop members at spaced intervals longitudinally of the stringer tape.

4. The method of producing separable fastener stringers, which comprises forming a pair of scoop blanks each ofwhich blanks have a coupling end and a mounting end with the coupling end having on one side thereof both male and female coupling portions, and mounting each blank of said pair simultaneously upon a stringer tape by the application of pressure thereto with the bla I abutting each other on the sides opposite said firs sides, thus forming of said pair of blanks a scoop unit.

pours H. moans.

REFERENCES crrnn The following references are of record inthe file of this patent:

\ UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,786,978 Aronson Dec. 30, 1930 2,041,848 Marinsky May 26, 1938 2,106,129 Sundback June 18, 1838 2,108,009 Miller Feb. 8. resa- 2,148,672 Aventzen Feb. 28, 1938' 2,233,303 Bergen Feb. 25, 1 2,275,454 Miller Mar. 10,1 2,299,806 Wintritz ---a Oct. 20, 1942 

